Transportation

The Rapid will hold a public forum Wednesday, August 7 to address how it will handle bus fares in the future.

The bus transit service is drafting a policy for evaluating the public impact of any bus fare changes, including when new services are added, like the Rapids Silver Line on Division Avenue. Officials with The Rapid say right now they are not considering raising prices, but more pass options.

Wednesday’s public forum will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Rapid Central Station second floor conference room, located at 250 Grandville Ave. SW in Grand Rapids. If you cannot make the meeting, you can comment on the issue by calling (616) 776-1100.

If the deal is approved by federal officials, Gentex Chief Executive Officer Fred Bauer says HomeLink would be fully absorbed by the company over the next 12 to 18 months. The proposed acquisition is expected to increase Gentex’s annual revenue to $125 million-$150 million per year.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Experience Grand Rapids and the Kent County Lodging Association have opened the 6th Annual WAVE Award nominations.

The annual awards program recognizes outstanding service providers in the Grand Rapids and Kent County hospitality industry. Nominations will be accepted from employers and guests from April 30 to Oct.7, 2013. One award will be presented in each of the following categories: Transportation, Retail & Service, Attractions/Events, and Nightlife. New categories to the 2013 awards program include: Restaurants/Breweries, Lodging, and Volunteer in Hospitality.

KENTWOOD, Mich.— The Kentwood Police Department is teaming up with Safe Kids of Grand Rapids to for a free car seat safety check and giveaway May 15.

The inspections are on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of seats will also be available for families who qualify. Children who need a replacement seat must show up with a parent or legal guardian.

The car seat check will take place 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Kentwood Fire Department Station 1, located at 4775 Walma Ave. SE. Visitors are asked to enter at the back of the building, and arrive in the vehicle they will be using with the car seats.

Drivers may soon experience more traffic backups on a busy Kent County corridor.

The Grand Valley Metro Council wants to resurface Alpine Avenue NW, between Leonard Street and just beyond 4 Mile Road NW. The construction proposals for 2014 to 2017 also include adding turn lanes, resconstructing and resurfacing portions of 4 mile Road NW between Fruit Ridge Avenue NW and Alpine Avenue NW. The Metro Council has already posted a ma

(Michigan Department of Transportation) -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $100 million in the MDOT Grand Region in 2013 to improve 191 route miles of roadway and 25 bridges.

In addition, $93 million of statewide funding is planned for the construction of the new M-231 route and connections in Ottawa County. MDOT's Grand Region transportation system includes all I, US and M routes in the following eight counties: Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Ottawa.

"There is much to be done and this year’s program strategically addresses maintaining our system and improving operations," said MDOT Region Engineer Roger Safford.